Også i 2022/23-sesongen vil Pompey ha en innleid keeper som vår førstekeeper.
NYHETER: Josh Griffiths kommer på lån fra Championship-kvelden Josh Griffiths. Keeperen har skrevet under på en lånekontrakt for hele 2022/23-sesongen, men WBA har en klausul om at de kan kalle ham tilbake hvis behov. Det hadde for øvrig også Manchester City da Gavin Bazunu var på lån i Pompey forrige sesong.
Griffiths er Pompeys fjerde nykommer i sommer og signeringen av Griffiths betyr at Alex Bass går en svært usikker framtid i møte. Bass har kun ett år igjen av sin kontrakt med Pompey og var utlånt til Bradford City i League Two i vår. De ønsker å hente ham tilbake og spørsmålet nå er om Pompey skal beholde Bass som backup for Griffiths, eller om de skal selge han nå i sommer.
Mange supportere ønsket at Bass skulle bli satset på som førstekeeper i år, men det er tydelig at Cowley-brødrene ikke regner Bass som god nok til å være førstevalg kommende sesong heller.
Josh Griffiths har vært på utlån til Cheltenham Town i League Two og Lincoln City i League One de to siste årene. Han har fått totalt 85 førstelagskamper disse to sesongene og den unge keeperen (fyller 21 i september) har dermed mye erfaring allerede. Han har også u-landskamper for England og WBA har fortsatt stor tro på han. Han har tre år igjen av sin kontrakt med WBA.
SE OGSÅ: Josh Griffiths spillerprofil
Danny Cowleys kommentarer
«He’s one that we’ve been patiently waiting for and actually came very close to signing around this time last year. The timing wasn’t quite right on that occasion, but we’re absolutely delighted to have him with us now.
Josh is a top young goalkeeper and we want to accelerate his progress. It’s a move that can work for everybody. He’s a great kid who’s extremely professional and hard-working, while staying focused on trying to get better every single day. Josh has brilliant loan experience already at Cheltenham and Lincoln. We think it’s a good time for him to come here.
He will certainly provide a physical presence in the box and can command his area, but he’s all incredibly mobile. He’s an excellent shot stopper and is also very good with his feet, so he’s a really rounded goalkeeper.”
Josh Griffiths’ kommentarer
«The size of the club is thing that sticks out for me and I’ve heard amazing things from lads I know who have been here before. I also know what it means to the fanbase here and it’s a natural progression, so it was an easy choice to make.
I heard great things about the manager from the people at Lincoln and form speaking to him, his passion for the game stands out. As soon as I knew about the interest I wanted to get it done, so I can’t wait to get going. I’m grateful to West Brom for allowing me to come out and relishing the opportunity.
I’ve spent the past two seasons out on loan and it’s been amazing – I want to keep ticking those games off. You learn about the men’s game, where it’s all about the three points, and how harsh it can be at times, but also how rewarding it can be. The first home game is about Lincoln and it’s going to be amazing. I can’t wait to see all the fans and get going.
Jed Wallace has just signed for West Brom and couldn’t speak highly enough about this club. John Marquis also said amazing things and so have Matt Clarke and Deon Burton. That helped to solidify my position.”
